ICE near NJ school bus stop, church sparks backlash

ICE spokesperson says the agency was conducting targeted enforcement and not targeting a church

Joanna Gagis, Senior Correspondent | February 17, 2026 | Immigration, Law & Public Safety

Federal immigration enforcement actions in two ends of the state last week drew protest from New Jersey lawmakers and advocates.

In Lindenwold in Camden County, a group of fourth- and fifth-grade students was seen sprinting from their bus stop after spotting officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducting what the agency described as a targeted enforcement action. The incident was captured on a Ring doorbell camera and shared widely.

In a statement, ICE said it was attempting to arrest a “criminal illegal alien” with a criminal history of aggravated assault but left without completing the arrest.

More than 100 people gathered in Lindenwold on Friday to protest. U.S. Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Rep. Donald Norcross (D-1st) also expressed outrage over the video.

Meanwhile, in Hudson County’s Union City, two men were arrested outside a church on Sunday. An ICE spokesperson said one had been issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge and the other did not have legal status to remain in the country. The spokesperson said officers were not targeting the church.

U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8th), who represents Union City, said he is working with community leaders to learn more about what took place.